Maricopa County park visitors will see higher fees starting in 2026 after the Board of Supervisors approved a new, multi-year pricing structure aimed at keeping the county’s park system financially sustainable.
The updated fees, proposed by the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, take effect January 1, 2026, with additional adjustments planned for 2027 and 2028. County leaders say the phased approach is designed to address rising operational costs while continuing to provide high-quality outdoor experiences for residents and visitors.
Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors Kate Brophy McGee said the changes are necessary to ensure parks remain well maintained and accessible. “The public loves our county parks,” she said. “Aligning fees to costs allows us to continue delivering the services and amenities our community values.”
Unlike many county services, Maricopa County’s park system relies largely on user fees to fund its day-to-day operations. Those revenues support everything from trail maintenance and facility upkeep to wildfire prevention, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal. A recent financial assessment found that the existing fee structure — unchanged since 2018 — no longer keeps pace with increased costs tied to staffing, utilities, maintenance, and natural resource management.
Under the approved plan, the day-use vehicle entry fee will increase from $7 to $10 in 2026, eventually rising to $12 by 2028. Individual annual passes will also see step increases, climbing from $85 to $120 in 2026 and reaching $160 by 2028. Camping fees, reservation charges, and costs tied to special-use permits, events, and vendor operations will also be adjusted to better reflect the true cost of providing those services.
Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Waller emphasized that the goal is long-term stewardship, not short-term revenue. “Our parks are vital community assets that require ongoing care and protection,” she said. “These adjustments help ensure parks remain clean, safe, and welcoming for years to come.”
County officials stressed that all revenue generated from the updated fees will stay within the parks system and be used exclusively for operations, maintenance, ecological preservation, and visitor services. The gradual rollout is intended to minimize the impact on visitors while securing the future of one of the region’s most heavily used public resources.
The full adopted fee schedule is available on the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department’s website at maricopacountyparks.net.
